Western Diocese Hosts Reception In Honor Of Armenian Patriarch Of Jerusalem His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian

A reception in honor of His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem was hosted at the Western Diocese on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Damascus, Diocesan clergy, benefactors, representatives of Armenian organizations and faithful were in attendance.

In his welcoming remarks, the Diocesan Primate introduced the Armenian Patriarch and highlighted His Beatitude’s courageous spirit. Referencing to the Armenian community of Jerusalem, His Eminence noted the vitality of the mission of the Brotherhood of St. James, which safeguards the sacred and venerable sites in the Holy City. “Jerusalem is the site of the rebirth of the soul of each Armenian. Pilgrimages to the Holy City were routinely organized by our forefathers. Walking in the footsteps of our Lord, visiting the sacred sites where Jesus prayed and ministered, partaking in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy are all essential necessities for the enrichment of our spirituality,” said Archbishop Derderian and gladly informed the faithful of the establishment of the Fund of the Knights of Saint James whose contributions will be allocated entirely to the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem.   

Word of appreciation for the cordial reception were expressed by His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian. The Patriarch referenced to the obstacles and challenges faced by the Armenian Patriarchate but also noted that the Armenian Church shares the same rights in Jerusalem as the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church. His Beatitude encouraged the faithful to visit Jerusalem, renew their calling to service and pray in the Holy sites of Christendom.  

Following his remarks, the faithful received the blessings of the Armenian Patriarch, directed questions and posed for photos with the high-ranking clergyman of the Armenian Church.